One of life's challenging experiences is to live with a spouse suffering from depression. Strategies exist to help you both avoid worsening your spouse's depressive condition as well as limit the negative impact your spouse's illness has on your own life. You must take a proactive stance in implementing these strategies, both for your own sake and for the health of your spouse, notes an article on depression in "Reader's Digest."
Step 1
Seek professional assistance, for both you and your spouse. Depression is a major illness, requiring appropriate treatment for your spouse. In addition, because depression impacts you significantly due to your relationship, professional intervention provides you the added support you likely require.
Step 2
Establish boundaries. Although your spouse is ill, this does not give him the right to behave in a manner that is detrimental to you. For example, although your spouse feels miserable, he does not have the right to be abusive to you.
Step 3
Maintain open lines of communication. Your spouse may have challenges communicating with you. Make sure he understands that you are there for him and willing to listen to his concerns.
Step 4
Carve out time for yourself. Due to your spouse's condition, you end up in the position of being a primary caretaker. This type of role is physically and emotionally draining. You must schedule time for yourself, including time away from your spouse.
Step 5
Participate in different activities with your spouse. A person with a depressive illness naturally tends to isolate himself. Together with your spouse, take part in simple activities that he used to enjoy before the onset of his depressive illness. For example, spend an hour or two dining out one night a week.
Step 6
Create and take advantage of your own support system. Share your situation with two or three trusted friends. Use these individuals as a sounding board, both for advice and to vent your feelings.
References
- "Readers Digest"; How to Cope with a Depressed Spouse
- Mental Health Matters: Do Your Love Someone Who Suffers From Depression?
- "Talking to Depression: Simple Ways To Connect When Someone in Your Life Is Depressed"; Claudia J. Strauss, Martha Manning; 2004
